In our press release of 17 December 2012 titled, “Humanitarian needs rising as residents flee fighting, seek safety in UNRWA schools”, we omitted to include in the list of UNRWA’s partners, the Syrian Government’s General Authority for Palestine Refugees (GAPAR). This omission occurred in error and is sincerely regretted.

GAPAR remains UNRWA’s principal humanitarian partner in Syria. Its support and cooperation is essential for the Agency’s programmes and operations, including the ongoing response to the present situation. The omission from the press release of 17 December does not in any way diminish the Agency’s appreciation or GAPAR’s exemplary record in supporting UNRWA and Palestine refugees over the decades.

Background Information

UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, and financial support has not kept pace with an increased demand for services caused by growing numbers of registered refugees and deepening poverty. As a result, the UNRWA General Fund, which supports core essential services and most staffing costs, operates with a large deficit. UNRWA emergency programmes and key projects, also operating with large deficits, are funded through separate funding portals.

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, and microfinance.